My Mild Irritation

I’m a pretty even-tempered kind of guy and there’s nothing that phases me much.  But when I woke up this morning, I was mildly irritated.  I stopped and thought - could not figure out what was phasing me.  I was also not quite able to figure out if I was irritated about being phased or more irritated about not knowing exactly what was irritating me.  I guess we all have those days from time to time.  No biggie – by lunch-time my irritation had subsided somewhat as I was heading downtown to meet a client. 

Paperwork completed? Check!

Subway tokens? Check!

Tie straight? Check!

Hair brushed? Check!

Laptop in laptop bag? Check!

Slung over my shoulder in the usual way?

NOPE – YIKES!

You see – what had happened Friday was that the shoulder strap had broken, and I had forgotten.  And it was this small thing that caused the irritation, made even more acute by the fact that I now had to carry my laptop in its bag instead of slinging it over my shoulder --- and in so doing occupying one of my two arms.

So, what’s the big deal? Well for me it is!

Can’t check my emails with one hand.  Need to be more mindful of now not leaving my laptop somewhere – I’m absent-minded at the best of times. If my laptop is in my right hand, and my subway token in my right pocket --- well now what?  Complexity --- and I don't want more than I already have. 

But most of all, it’s a routine I am used to.  The feeling and the weight of my laptop and bag slung over my right shoulder is comforting.  Or should I say “was” now that the strap has broken.  

Not for long though – and that’s a good thing.  I’m going to the mall first thing in the morning (actually the local Walmart – it opens at 7am) to get myself a brand new laptop bag.

At least my minor irritation won’t continue – and I am very grateful for that.  I am also very grateful for everything else I have.  As I learn in Torah - the happy person is happy with what he has. 

And these words are so true.